Instructional Assistant Jobs in Washington

Woodland Public Schools - Diverse Support Program Paraeducator - WMS

We appreciate your interest in employment with Woodland Public Schools. All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers, and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Position Title: Diverse Support Program Paraeducator
Posting #: 3661
Location: Woodland Middle School
Days/Hrs: Monday: 9:35 AM - 3:35 PM / Tuesday-Friday: 8:20 AM - 3:35 PM, 191 days per year (for full year), 180 days plus 11 holidays, with the later start date, this will be fewer days this school year
Start Date: 11/09/26
Pay Schedule: Link to Schedule
Benefits: Position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and LTD through the School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB), effective the first of the month following the start date, and retirement through the WA State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

Job Summary: The diverse support program paraeducator works with our most high-need students, usually in a diverse support classroom and sometimes in the general education classroom as well. They assist the teacher with general daily classroom activities and care for the students' physical and emotional health, and safety, affirming their abilities, and striving to promote dignity in all relationships. The work assists in the accomplishment of the mission of Woodland Public School in preparing students for career, life, and college so they can become responsible and successful citizens. Work is performed under the direction of the principal.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Required to have completed one of the following requirement: Either (1) documentation to support an Associate's Degree or transcripts to verify the comparable equivalence (i.e. 72 college quarter credits or 48 semester credits from an accredited university, college, community college or business school), or (2) ETS ParaPro Assessment with a passing score of 455 (this can be taken at ESD 112 or at Lower Columbia College), (3) The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program: 65% or (4) Completed a Paraeducator 2 Apprenticeship Program.
• Required to complete 14 hours of the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) within the first year of employment. (This 28-hour course is required for all paraeducators within their first and second year of employment. The FCS covers topics such as cultural identity, instructional support, technology, and behavior management. Paraeducators are paid for FCS classes that take place outside of their normal work hours.)
• Ability to work and communicate well with staff members
• Experience that demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and skills in working effectively in a team environment, providing support to achieve the desired goal(s) for the classroom and/or program area
• Possess excellent problem-solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to think quickly
• Successful experience as part of an educational team
• Ability to effectively communicate with and appreciate individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to learn and use a computer monitor, keyboard, and appropriate adaptive technologies
• Ability to successfully implement educational programs and manage student behavior with direction from the classroom teacher(s)
• Ability to be flexible with assigned tasks and schedules
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to move or physically restrain a child of the size required by the job
• Ability to independently and safely escort students around the school building and grounds
• Ability to observe the behavior of students, both visually and by listening, and to communicate those observations with other appropriate service providers
• Regular and punctual attendance

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with medically fragile students
• Experience providing for personal care needs such as toileting and teeth brushing
• Experience with classroom documentation and data collection
• Experience with discrete trial instruction, such as the STAR program
• Experience doing pivot transfers and sit-to-stand techniques
• Experience using a Hoyer lift and gate belt
• Experience with g-tubes
• Experience with seizure disorders and a VNS device

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work Habits
  • Performs duties efficiently
  • Utilizes time appropriately
  • Maintains an organized and safe work area
  • Ensures confidentiality of Information
  • Adheres to regulations
  • Produces quality work
  • Completes work on schedule
  • Shows Initiative
  • Demonstrates flexibility
  • Uses safety equipment when appropriate
  • Adapts and incorporates program and policy changes
• Interpersonal Skills
  • Shows respect for others
  • Shows sensitivity to the needs of others
  • Displays effective listening skills
  • Communicates problems and concerns effectively and courteously
• Dependability
  • Works independently of close supervision
  • Maintains an acceptable attendance record
  • Arrives on time and ready to work
• Attitude
  • Demonstrates a positive feeling for work
  • Accepts difficult assignments
  • Accepts supervision and direction
  • Acts professionally on the job site
• Technical Skills
  • Maintains and operates equipment
  • Performs assigned cleaning tasks
  • Follows appropriate safety guidelines
  • Maintains accurate reports/records
  • Demonstrates overall knowledge of job requirements
• Other
  • Wears proper clothing and footwear
  • Presents an appropriate appearance
  • Participates in and takes advantage of educational opportunities
  • Provides emergency assistance when needed
  • Assist the appropriate certificated staff member(s) in developing specific goals for each student
  • Assist the teacher in planning and evaluating overall learning goals and individual students' progress
  • Complete the required state and local trainings as required
  • Independently oversee student(s) behavior and assist the student(s) during class activities. In conjunction with the certificated staff member, assist with classroom activities or provide instruction to the student. Assistance provided may include the following areas: academic subjects, basic life skills, social skills, and other areas as assigned
  • Tutor or guide individual(s) or a small group of students in various subjects (i.e., Reading, Math, ESL, or other academic subjects). This will include assisting the teacher with developing lesson plans, preparing for tutoring sessions, working with students, and maintaining records required by the funding program
  • Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and record-keeping, and maintain accurate data on student records. Grade/correct papers and homework
  • Assist in each student's individual education plan, including the development and implementation of instructional programs
  • Work with students with severe/profound disabilities in a one-on-one program
  • Work closely with general and special education teachers in planning lessons/skill-building activities, etc.
  • Work with students and teachers in every obtainable subject area in traditional classroom settings
  • Track student progress utilizing the student data management system
  • Daily documentation/charting of personal care and medical services
  • Monitor medically fragile students for health concerns, per their individual health care plans
  • Supervise students on off-campus trips (occurring daily to weekly)
  • Provide personal care for students, including toileting and teeth brushing
  • Assist teachers in classroom operations and daily activities
  • Support students in classroom note-taking, organization, explanation, etc.
  • Assist in reading, writing, and typing for students when required
  • Procter classroom exams, quizzes, and other assignments in settings deemed appropriate for each student's learning plan
  • Assist with behavior management programs, closely monitor students' behavior on the school campus, and make appropriate supervisory decisions; may be required to use physical restraint methods appropriately in the behavior management process
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Assist with the loading and unloading of students on buses
  • Ability to complete de-escalation/physical restraint training, if required by the District, as soon as possible after hiring
  • Assist in providing one-to-one and group instruction to students so as to meet content benchmarks
  • Assist classroom teachers in evaluating and specifying a direction of instruction so as to maximize each student's achievement
  • Record and maintain accurate data on student records
  • Assist administrators in maintaining appropriate discipline on campus and in school buildings
  • Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear, and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally, the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, or work output of other people.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

Work Environment:
The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Position Opens Internally: 10/30/2026
Position Closes Internally: 11/05/2026
Position Opens Externally (if necessary): 11/06/2026
Position Closes: Open Until Filled

If you are hired for this position, you will be required to pay for a background check, unless you have completed the background check in the past two years, and it is on file with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).